Kuujjuaq daycare users apathetic

Programs about the lives of two world travelling photographers tell truths that are very relevant for our time.

One photographer produced a book showing destitute and hungry people. His message was that as we sit enjoying a meal and watching programs on TV about starving children and not participating in their plight, we’re very much removed from it. It is an illusion of our life that as spectators we’re taking part in events.

The second, a famous Canadian photographer, Karsh, photographed presidents, prime ministers, the famous and world-renowned, including the portrait of young Queen Elizabeth that was for many years on our currency. His message was that his work required that he not be in awe of his subjects, for if he were, the portrait would lack integrity.

Our child-care center in Kuujjuaq requests that once each year parents and guardians of the children enrolled their attended a meeting. Once again this year, the turnout was pitifully low. The apathy is shameful. This is the largest town in Nunavik, where self-government negotiations are in progress. Nunavik self-government in the present context is a bureaucratic exercise leading to a glorified welfare state, something that folks in the popularity game are not likely to speak of.

One would not have to search for very long or very hard to find people from outside the region willing to run the show. To be in awe of others causes impairment and dysfunction in relationships, just as Mr. Karsh knew. We must do our part. We owe it to ourselves and our children.

Before I finish, a note to the business owners in Kuujjuaq. Please, order some poppies for Remembrance Day next year. It appears to be ignored with the coinciding anniversary of the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement on Nov. 11.

Chesley Mesher
Kuujjuaq